Chicago 2016 unveils sport development plan

March 25, 2009 9:52:06 AM PDT

March 25, 2009 --

Chicago's Olympic hopes now include a plan to promote sports in the Chicagoland area and across the world. The developmental plan, which would be launched should Chicago be named host city for the 2016 Games, has five rings:

Ring 1 engages youth in the heart of the city in Olympic and Paralympic sport through a unique program called the Urban Youth Sport Initiative. The multifaceted program has already attracted more than 10,000 children.

Ring 2 spreads that Initiative to cities across the United States through the support of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, an organization of hundreds of mayors that has endorsed the plan.

Ring 3 integrates the resources of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. National Federations of sport into this developmental program.

Ring 4 yields direct benefits for the international Olympic Family by expanding access to the USOC's training sites and educational seminars, a program Chicago hopes to build upon at area universities.

Ring 5 ensures organizational excellence in the competitions at the Games through a committed seven-year partnership between Chicago 2016 and the International Federations that govern sport around the world.

"Our plan for 2016 is based on strengthening sport and promoting its values in our city and across the country in the years leading up to 2016 and beyond," said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016.

The plan includes a seven-year partnership with the International Federations.

"With International Federation guidance, the Five Rings of Sport will help ensure that our plan works from the grassroots to the global level," said Ryan.